Role of Technology in the Construction Industry

The Indian construction industry is a significant factor driving the country’s economic growth, employment, and development. Traditionally well-linked cement, steel, chemical, fittings, and furnishings have solely rested in the hands of a few. However, with the increasing adoption of digital platforms like OfBusiness, procuring construction material online has been democratized and is now merely a few clicks away. 

The next couple of decades are slated for rapid social and economic changes and will significantly increase the country’s infrastructure demands. To fuel this, raw material procurement needs to be further streamlined. Faster deliveries mean more time for both your business and the clientele. OfBusiness’ centralized platform maintains a real-time stock of inventory, ensuring maximum availability in the least time possible.

What is SaaS?

The other aspect of digitization is the adoption of SaaS services. Software as a Service (SaaS) is an increasingly popular digital tool that only requires a web browser for connecting all the aspects of a project. Contrary to on-premise or traditional software which required individual installation on each device, SaaS allows the flexibility of functioning across different operating systems, devices, and locations; all connected by a cloud server over the internet.

OfBusiness, along with providing construction material online and various working capital financing options, also has a number of integrated SaaS products like BidAssist and SMEAssist.

The many benefits of transitioning to SaaS products are:

Data Compilation and Storage

Cloud services enable the real-time updation, security, and accessibility of precise data both on and off-site. While this has traditionally been a cumbersome process, availability and need-based raw material procurement are greatly facilitated through digital means. A simple digital transition is enough to show a positive increase in productivity.

Offsite Construction

Repetitive projects and layouts can very easily be replicated with minimal planning. Structurally a headed environment, specific departments at their respective stations have all the necessary tools and materials to constantly perform their assigned duties. This assembly-plant style both minimizes waste and boosts productivity when coupled with the flexibility offered by need-based raw material procurement of perishables rather than placing large orders in anticipation.

This controlled environment works effectively in projects like buildings, hospitals, hotels, dormitories, schools, etc.

Cost Control and Accounting

Having a bird’s eye view at all times lets MSMEs reduce capital wastage by only placing orders as per individual requirements. Not just limited to faster bookkeeping, digitizing your workflow will also save numerous petty wastage which was traditionally considered as unavoidable. Utilizing technologies like OfBusiness’ platforms for your raw material procurement also gives you the most up-to-date and competitive prices in the market.

Mobility and Compatibility

The only requirement for browser-based services like OfBusiness for buying construction material online is an active internet connection. The orders can be placed in seconds, be it from the site, your home, or in transit anywhere across the globe. The real-time stock gives you greater choice, at lower prices and is not bound by pandemic lockdowns.

The other freedom is navigation across different technological devices, platforms, and operating systems. Be it Windows, Macintosh, Android, or iOS. Almost all devices can be used to access your desired service at any hour of the day.

Time-Saving

Incorporating technology in your workflow saves time across the board. Right from the purchasing of raw material online, all aspects of a digitized project are faster, more efficient, and produce more consistent results. This is simply because of the removal of physical barriers and greater transparency during both the raw material procurement and project execution process.

In keeping with the exponentially growing demand of the country, OfBusiness aims at digitizing the entire SMEs, manufacturing and contracting across India, building a transparent central hub for directly connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and their customers.